EN 14404 - What you need to know about knee protection/knee pads.

Banner with BP® protective clothing (PPE).

EN 14404

KNEE PROTECTION FOR WORK IN A KNEELING POSITION

The topic of knee pads in accordance with EN 14404, particularly in the context of knee protection for work in a kneeling position, is becoming increasingly important in the world of work. Work that requires constant kneeling puts considerable strain on the knee joints and can lead to long-term health problems. The EN 14404 standard was developed to protect workers in such situations while ensuring efficiency and comfort.

This standard specifies requirements for knee pads that can be integrated into workwear to provide effective protection against mechanical stress and injuries in the knee area. In the following, we will take a closer look at the standards and requirements of EN 14404 and highlight the importance of knee protection for work in a kneeling position in the context of workplace safety and health protection. We also discuss the new EN 14404:2024 series of standards and the new adjustment of the performance levels of knee protectors contained therein.

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Questions and answers about the EN 14404 standard*

What does EN 14404 mean?

This standard specifies the requirements for knee protection for work in a kneeling position. In addition to the requirements for the labelling of knee protection and manufacturer information, test methods and performance levels are defined.

Knee protection must be safe in use and fit for its purpose. It must be designed and manufactured to provide protection when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions without endangering the wearer.

What requirements does EN 14404 specify?

EN 14404 sets out the following requirements:

Minimum values for the dimensions of the protective zones

Mechanical requirements for puncture resistance

Mequirements for comfort (e.g. no edges, seams or other unevenness on the inner surfaces of the product)

Requirements for manufacturing materials and substances contained therein

Requirements for the labelling of the knee protector and the manufacturer's information to be provided

Man in kneeling position reaches into toolbox and wears super stretch work trousers.

What performance levels and types of knee protection are there?

Level 0: Knee protection suitable for a flat floor surface and offering no protection against puncture.

Level 1: Knee protection suitable for use on a flat or uneven floor surface providing protection against puncture at a force of at least 100 (± 5) N.

Level 2: Knee protection suitable for use on a flat or uneven floor surface under difficult conditions and providing protection against puncture at a force of at least 250 (± 10) N.

EN 14404 recognises four types of knee protection:

Type 1: Knee protection that is independent of other clothing and is attached to the leg.

Type 2: Foam plastic or other pads in pockets on the trouser legs or pads permanently attached to the trousers.

Type 3: Equipment that is not attached to the body.

Type 4: Knee protection that is part of devices with additional functions.

The knee protection used by BP® always corresponds to performance level 0 or 1, type 2.

One person places a knee protector in the knee pad pocket of the work trousers.

The new EN 14404:2024 series of standards - What has changed?

In 2024, the standard was reissued and divided into six parts. The new EN 14404:2024 series of standards replaces EN 14404:2004+A1:2010. The new standard stipulates that any trousers with knee pockets will become PPE in future.

Knee protectors certified in accordance with EN 14404:2004+A1:2010 will be certified in combination with BP work trousers in accordance with the new standard once the certification expires.

The six parts of EN 14404:2024

The six parts of EN 14404:2024 include:

Part 1: Test methods

Part 2: Requirements for wearable knee protectors (Type 1)

Part 3: Requirements for the individual combination of knee pads and garments (Type 2)

Part 4: Requirements for the combination of interoperable knee pads and garments (Type 2)

Part 5: Requirements for knee mats (Type 3)

Part 6: Requirements for knee protection systems (type 4)

BP trousers with knee pockets in combination with BP knee pads comply with knee protection according to EN 14404-3.

What types of knee pads are there in EN 14404:2024?

The performance levels and types of knee protectors have been adapted in the new series of standards. There are four types of knee protectors for working in a kneeling position:

Type 1: Portable knee pads;

Type 2: Knee pads in combination with garments;

Type 3: Knee mats; and

Type 4: Knee protection systems.

How have the performance levels of knee protectors been adapted in EN 14404:2024?

The performance levels of knee protectors have also been adapted in the new standard. The performance level is now only defined by the resistance to puncture and the pressure distribution.

Level 0: Knee pads that offer no protection against puncture and offer a pressure distribution of less than 30 N when tested on a smooth, flat surface.

Level 1: Knee protectors that offer protection against puncture with a force of at least 100 N and offer a pressure distribution of less than 30 N when tested on a smooth, flat surface.

Level 1U: Knee protectors that offer protection against puncture with a force of at least 100 N and offer a pressure distribution of less than 30 N when tested on an uneven surface.

Level 2: Knee pads that provide protection against puncture with a force of at least 250 N and provide a pressure distribution of less than 30 N when tested on an uneven surface.

The knee protection used by BP® always corresponds to type 2, performance level 0 or 1.

What are the areas of application for knee pads in accordance with EN 14404?

Knee pads or knee protectors for work trousers in accordance with EN 14404 are used for all work where a lot of work is carried out on the knees. As this applies to many trades and industrial sectors, we have refrained from listing individual areas of application.

* As these are abridged summaries of binding occupational health and safety standards, this article does not claim to fully reflect the requirements defined in the standards. Although this article is regularly revised by our experts, we cannot guarantee that the information is up-to-date and correct.